Bauchi bombing: Fears as customers avoid First Bank branches nationwide

MD/CEO First Bank, Bisi Onasanya

This is definitely not the best of times for the Bisi Onasanya-led First Bank as panic stricken customers now avoid the once bank of choice like a plague following the bomb blast that killed 20 customers and injured over 100 at the Azare, Bauchi State branch of the financial institution in the morning of Friday, November 7.

The female suicide bomber, who carried out the deadly act, was said to have concealed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), in her hijab. She later joined the embattled bank’s customers on a queue to make withdrawals from one of the ATMs before detonating the bomb.

An insider, who spoke with Daylightng, revealed that the poor security at the bank also aided the female bomber in her evil act.

Meanwhile, since the ugly incident, Daylightng further learnt that many customers now avoid several branches of the bank, especially those in northern Nigeria and Abuja, for fear of another attack.

We also gathered that some customers are currently on massive panic withdrawals with the intention of closing their accounts with First Bank.

A visibly shaken customer who spoke with our reporter said she can never transact business again with First Bank, adding that the bombing would have been avoided if they were adequate security in place at the bank’s premises.

“The security at many northern branches of First Bank is very poor. They know how volatile this place is, yet they failed to put adequate security measures in place. I’ve also complained that they should beef up security here, but nobody listened. We have all seen the result now. My colleagues and I are closing our accounts with this bank that cannot protect its customers. I can never go to any of their branches here in the north to expose myself to risk again,” the angry lady who does not want her name revealed, stated.

Another customer who lost a family friend in the blast told us he was done with the bank.

“I can never go near First Bank again in any part of Nigeria. This bomb blast would have been avoided if they had adequate security measures in place. Again, the way and manner they transact business here is very poor. If their ATMs are working properly and promptly, I don’t think the suicide bomber would have succeeded in killing such huge number of people. Inside the banking hall you will always encounter long queues at First Bank and it becomes worst when you try using their ATMs within the premises. This was why the bomber succeeded. I think the bank should be blamed. I lost a family friend in the attack and we might sue First Bank for negligence.”

All efforts to reach First Bank for reactions before going to press proved abortive.